Last Update: Thursday August 28, 2008

A New Business Category: Entertainment - Tourism - Education

He sold part of the business to get started!

Boston, Massachusetts: In this episode of the show we visit with Andy Wilson, founder of Boston Duck Tours. His business transformed the very nature of tourism in this olde towne of tradition. Andy combined little known history lessons with entertainment and views of city that only the insiders get to see... especially the ones from the middle of the Charles River. Learn about financing, tenacity, and vision from a person who focused on making his dream come true.

We first met Andy back in 1997 at a White House conference where he received an award from the President as the Massachusetts SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR.

So, how does one turn many passions into a single business? In this show we learn how Andy got that initial inspiration to quit his full-time job and start. We'll also learn how he went about raising over $1 million dollars to launch Boston Duck Tours in 1994.

Andy loves Boston, the Charles River, the history of this country's early struggles for religious toleration and freedoms, equality, and rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The amazing thing is that Andy Wilson made a business that incorporated all of these passions and so much more.

The tour is 80-minutes and historically-narrated. You meet some of the founding fathers and mothers of the USA. On this sightseeing tour you ride in a Duck -- an authentic World War II amphibious landing craft -- first around the narrow streets of Boston and then into the Charles River.

When he was recognized in 1997, Boston Duck Tours did about $4 million in sales with about 50 employees. The business had become one of the hottest attractions in the Commonwealth. The last time we checked, annual sales were over $6 million.

Go to all the Key Ideas and Videos...

Index for Learning Companies

You can be listed and linked. Just register!

It seems personal. It is fun. It surprises. It informs. Though sometimes called "infotainment" (by a somewhat mechanical wordsmith -- there has to be a better word), it is an emerging business category.

Many of our business owners, especially those in retail, are beginning to see the light. They are having special events for their best customers right in their store. They are teaching and reaching their customers in very new ways.

Please log in to explore 2000+ Video Clips and 300+ episodes

All about entrepreneurs with integrity, genius, and courage...

There are always four paths to walk and eight steps to climb:

	Pamela Rodgers started by failing twice. She hit the glass ceiling in corporate Detroit, but learned how well the best dealers did. She set her sights to out-perform the best and she has. This is not your father's old car dealership. Key Question: How do I start a business?
	Darby McQuade travels the world to find the best deals for his customers. Global sourcing is part of his extraordinary formula for growth at Jackalope in Santa Fe where shopping is always an educational and entertaining experience. Key Question: What is a path for growth?
	Come up with a way to make a business better then buy into it and make it happen. That's what Bill Sugars did. You can do it, too. Visit Libertyville, Illinois! Key Question: Can my business be my legacy?
	Nicole Miller and her partner, Bud Konheim, have licensed their brand to many independent, elegant, boutique stores throughout the USA. If you want to be in fashion, select your favorite designer and see what it costs to get an exclusive for your neighborhood... Learn eight possible ways to exit your business! Key Question: Who is the best buyer? Prior homepage...